Didgeridoo Mouthpieces Explained: Natural Wood and Beeswax

The mouthpiece is the narrow end of a didgeridoo, where the player’s lips meet the instrument. Unlike the metal mouthpiece of a trumpet, it is not a separate part that can be swapped. It is formed by the instrument itself, sometimes with the help of a ring of beeswax. This explainer covers the two main types, why beeswax is so common, and how players adjust the fit. It draws on a short video from a free buyers guide series in which Benny from Didgeridoo Breath, a didgeridoo retailer, shows examples of each.

How the mouthpiece is formed

A traditional didgeridoo is a eucalyptus trunk hollowed out naturally by termites. The size and shape of the opening at the narrow end depend on how the termites have eaten through the wood. As Benny puts it, it is a very organic thing. Some openings are just right for playing as they are; others are too wide and need building up.

Natural wooden mouthpieces

When the termites have left an opening of a comfortable size, there is no need to add anything. The player’s lips rest directly on the bare wood. Benny notes that some players strongly prefer this, and like it for moving between the drone and the toot, the higher note that can be sounded above the drone.

Beeswax mouthpieces

When the opening is wider, a ring of beeswax is pressed around the end to narrow it and give the lips a softer surface. According to Benny, most didgeridoos have a beeswax mouthpiece. He lists several reasons it is used:

• it is soft and comfortable against the lips
• he describes it as a natural antibiotic
• it smells pleasant
• it can be reshaped by hand

Adjusting the fit

Because beeswax is pliable, a mouthpiece made from it can be customised. A common habit among experienced players, Benny says, is to give a new instrument’s mouthpiece a tap and a pinch as soon as they pick it up, shaping it to suit their own mouth. The goal in every case is the same: a comfortable connection between the lips and the instrument.

Which type is better?

Neither type is better in general. The choice comes down to personal preference and what feels right for a particular player. Some prefer the direct feel of bare wood, while many are happy with the softness of wax. Players often only find their preference after spending time with both.

Summary

A didgeridoo mouthpiece is either the natural wood left by the termites or a ring of beeswax added to bring a wider opening to a comfortable size. Beeswax is the more common of the two because it is soft and adjustable. Both work well, and the right one is simply the one that is comfortable for the person playing. Learners who want to understand how the mouthpiece fits into technique will find step-by-step lessons at Didgeridoo Dojo, which publishes the full buyers guide series.